gaffe
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of gaffe
1905–10; < French: blunder, probably special use of gaffe gaff 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Local financial-market regulators say the gaffe has exposed fundamental weakness in the country’s digital-asset industry.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026
The “Cold Mountain” gaffe was a rare instance of a “Good Hang” research flub, one that inadvertently managed to illuminate more of Paltrow’s self-perception.
From Salon • Jan. 16, 2026
That embarrassing gaffe drew the ire of Tottenham supporters, who once again booed Frank and his players at the final whistle.
From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026
She was relentless with her self-criticism, always finding some minor gaffe to ruminate on.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025
My gaffe was even worse in Karhidish, but Estraven did not smile, or wince.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
